NUNUKAN - A Maskapai Pelita Air fuel tanker aircraft crashed in the East Krayan area, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan (Kaltara) at around 12.15 WITA. The pilot of the aircraft carrying subsidized fuel from Pertamina was reported to have died in the accident.
Head of Public Relations of the Kaltara Police, Kombes Slamet, revealed that the plane crashed shortly after taking off from Long Bawan Airport.
"The plane previously arrived from Tarakan carrying Pertalite type fuel of about 4,000 liters for the needs of the community in the border area. After the unloading was completed, the plane took off again for Tarakan at 12.10 WITA," said Kombes Slamet.
Kombes Slamet said, based on the report received from the airport, the accident occurred minutes after the plane took off.
"Not long after taking off, the airport received information that a plane had crashed around Pabetung Village, Kampung Baru, East Krayan District," said Kombes Slamet, Thursday, February 19.
"The plane with the flight number PAS 7101 registration PK-PPA was found to have fallen in the area of Mount Pa'belaban in a burning condition," he continued.
A joint team from the Krayan Police, TNI, BPBD, Satpol PP, and the airline immediately moved to the location. The heavy field made the new team arrive at around 15.40 WITA.
"When arriving at the location, officers found the fuselage burned. The pilot on behalf of Capt. Hendrick L. Adam was also found inside the fuselage in a dead state," he explained.
The process of evacuating the victims took place at around 16.00 WITA, the pilot's body was immediately taken to Pratama Krayan Hospital.
"The evacuation went smoothly even though the location was quite difficult to reach. The situation during the activity was safe and under control," he explained.
Currently, the police have secured the scene for the purpose of investigation.
"Police from the Nunukan Police Unit have set up a police line and coordinated with related agencies and the airline for further handling," he said.
Meanwhile, the victim's body is still at the Pratama Krayan Hospital while waiting for the arrival of a team from the airline, which is scheduled to arrive on Friday (20/2/2026).
"The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the competent authorities. We appeal to the public not to approach the scene for the sake of safety and the smooth running of the investigation process," he said.
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